Issue 385 - Wider rollout begins
Roadster
Roadster update gives fans a peek at what’s next
Franz von Holzhausen has confirmed that the much-anticipated Roadster demo is still on for late 2025, with new paint options and upgraded capabilities said to push the limits of physics.
FSD
FSD v14.1.2 exhibits impressive performance at unprotected left turns 📹
FSD v14.1.2 handles one of the toughest challenges for autonomous driving (unprotected left turns) like a pro. Chuck Cook tested the latest update at his infamous Jacksonville intersection and noted the car positioned itself perfectly, moved smoothly, and adapted well even under heavy traffic. The only intervention was for an unlit motorcycle, showing major progress.
Wider rollout begins for Full Self-Driving’s latest version
Tesla is pushing FSD v14.1.3 out to more vehicles, fixing previous quirks like brake stutter, and cleaning the front camera. Can’t wait to try it out!
FSD v14 feature addresses a long-standing complaint
Tesla has launched an automatic front camera cleaning feature with FSD v14.1.3, finally addressing the common annoyance of condensation and debris blocking a key camera during drives. In classic Tesla style, this fix comes via a software update.
“Mad Max” speed profile added in FSD v14.1.2 update
Tesla just rolled out a “Mad Max” driving profile in the latest FSD v14.1.2 update for people who like a little extra adrenaline during their commute. Mad Max takes things up a notch from the previous “Hurry” mode with faster acceleration, more assertive lane changes, and a willingness to push the speed limits.
Elon teases Banish mode and more self-parking features coming soon
Elon Musk just teased the seamless parking experience Tesla fans have been dreaming about. Soon, you’ll be able to have your car drop you at the store entrance, let it independently find parking, and then call it back with your phone when done. Behind the scenes, this is thanks to FSD V14’s big leap in neural networks, a new front bumper camera for detecting curbs and obstacles, and much sharper AI recognition of things like shopping carts and strollers, finally making true self-parking close to a reality.
Model Y
The “standard” Tesla experience: more feature cuts revealed
Tesla’s new Standard trims for the Model 3 and Model Y come with a noticeably lower price tag, but that savings brings a wave of removed features. Some of the amenities cut include the heated steering wheel for certain regions, NFC charge port button, waterproofing and weight capacity for the frunk, and plenty of interior comforts like ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and even rear screens. This cost-cutting approach makes the base Tesla more affordable, but it turns the Standard version into a much more stripped-down ride, making the jump to a Premium trim look a lot more appealing if you want the ‘full Tesla experience.’
Software Updates
Remote screen sharing feature planned for a future update
Tesla is working on a remote screen sharing feature that would let owners or service technicians view the vehicle’s main display in real time. While this sounds like a huge step forward for remote diagnostics and possibly even for managing Robotaxi fleets, there are concerns about privacy and data security that Tesla will need to address before launch. For now, the feature is in early development and not yet available to the public.
App 4.50.0 release notes are live
Tesla App 4.50.0 brings a ton of behind-the-scenes improvements and some very handy new features! The big ones include the new Tire Center to help folks shop for and schedule tire installation right from the app, Powerwall calibration to get the best battery performance, and a revamped Message Center with search and an AI assistant on the way.
Incentives
Tesla cuts U.S. lease prices by up to 23%
Tesla has slashed U.S. lease rates for the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck by up to 23%, with the Model 3 now starting at $329 per month and the Model Y at $449. Be aware that these deals are only for leases, not outright purchases, and Tesla posted some confusing website messaging that left many wondering if purchase prices would rise too. With lease rates now beating out many gas rivals, this is a great window to snag a new Tesla if you’ve been on the fence, but act fast since the prices are set to rise again in November!
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
AI: Artificial Intelligence
FSD: Full Self-Driving